TN Visa Lawyers

The TN visa is for Canadian and Mexican citizens working in occupations listed under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA). Eligible fields include engineering, science, healthcare, law, teaching, and business specialties.

The TN visa offers several advantages for Mexican and Canadian citizens compared to other U.S. work visas: Fast processing: Canadians can apply at the border and often receive approval the same day. Mexicans can secure a visa at a U.S. consulate, though processing times by individual consulate may vary.

Low government fees: Much less expensive than H-1B or O-1 petitions. No lottery or cap: Unlike the H-1B, there's no annual quota or random selection process. Renewable indefinitely: Granted in up to 3-year increments, with no maximum stay limit as long as eligibility and intent is maintained.

Wide range of professions eligible: Covers dozens of occupations in science, healthcare, engineering, education, and business. Family friendly: Spouses and children under 21 can accompany you to the U.S. on TD visas (though they cannot work).

This combination of speed, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness makes the TN one of the most practical options for Canadian and Mexican professionals working in the U.S.

A TN visa requires a U.S. employer sponsor offering a qualifying job in an eligible profession. Self-employment is not allowed, but you can own a business as long as you are not working for it under TN status.

• To qualify for a TN visa, you must meet the following requirements: Citizenship: You must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico (permanent residents of these countries are not eligible).

Job offer in a TN-listed profession: Your U.S. employer must offer you a role in one of the professions recognized under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA), such as engineers, scientists, teachers, accountants, or healthcare professionals. Education or licensing requirements: Most TN occupations require at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field.

Some roles may also accept professional licenses or alternative credentials where specified in the treaty. Valid employer-employee relationship: The U.S. employer must provide a formal offer or contract and demonstrate that the job meets TN standards (self-employment is not permitted).

• Nonimmigrant intent: While the TN can be renewed indefinitely, you must maintain the intention to stay in the U.S. on a temporary basis.

The time it takes to get a TN visa depends on if you're applying as a Mexican or Canadian citizen.

Canadians can apply directly at a U.S. port of entry, so the processing time can take a few hours at most. Mexican citizens need to apply at a U.S. consulate, and processing time can take a few weeks to months.

• Government fees for TN visas are relatively low: Canadians (at border/airport): ~$50 filing fee + $24 for an I-94 card. Mexicans (at consulate): ~$185 visa application fee and reciprocity fee ($104 - $382).

USCIS petitions (Form I-129, if filed in the U.S.): $1,015 (or $510 if employer is a small business or nonprofit), asylum fee ($0-$600 depending on business size and type), and optional premium processing ($2965) for a faster 15-business-day decision.